Medicare rebates can make seeing a psychologist in Melbourne more affordable, but the process is not always straightforward. Many people feel unsure about what is covered, how referrals work, and how to make the most of a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
To help clear things up, we have created this Medicare psychologist FAQ. It answers the most common questions people have about rebates, including how many sessions you can access each year, when you may need a new referral, and what to do if your plan needs a review.
If you still have questions after reading, you are welcome to contact Cova Psychology in Melbourne CBD. Our team can walk you through the steps and provide guidance that fits your circumstances. We also update this guide regularly to keep it accurate, although for the very latest information it is always best to check directly with Medicare.
If you would like more general details about our therapy services and what to expect when meeting a psychologist, you can also visit our General FAQ page. For information about private health rebates or our standard psychology fees, see our Fees and Rebates page. For a step-by-step overview of beginning therapy, see our guide on starting therapy with a psychologist in Melbourne.
The Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative was created to help Australians access mental health services with financial support. It allows people to claim Medicare rebates when they see a psychologist in Melbourne or elsewhere in the country, making therapy more accessible and affordable.
Through this scheme, you may be referred by a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician under a Mental Health Care Plan. This referral gives you access to Medicare-rebated sessions with registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, or accredited mental health social workers.
At present, the Better Access program provides up to 10 rebated psychology sessions per calendar year. In some circumstances, additional support may be available, which we outline later in this guide.
Many people use Medicare-funded psychology sessions in Melbourne to access evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). These approaches are effective for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and stress-related difficulties. If you are seeking a Medicare psychologist in Melbourne, understanding how the Better Access scheme works is the first step in making an informed choice.
There are two main referral pathways:
Through your GP – Most people visit their general practitioner, who prepares a Mental Health Care Plan and provides a referral to a psychologist.
Through a psychiatrist – A psychiatrist can also refer you directly to a psychologist. In this case, they provide a referral letter rather than a Mental Health Care Plan, which still allows you to claim Medicare rebates.
A Mental Health Care Plan, often shortened to MHCP, is a document your GP prepares to help you access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. It reduces the cost of therapy by subsidising appointments with psychologists, clinical psychologists, and accredited mental health social workers.
The plan sets out your main mental health concerns and a structured treatment approach. It is sometimes called a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Having a Mental Health Care Plan on its own is not enough, as you must also have a referral from your GP in order to claim Medicare rebates.
At Cova Psychology, our Medicare psychologists in Melbourne provide rebated sessions for clients with a Mental Health Care Plan. If you see a psychiatrist rather than a GP, they can also provide a referral letter that works in a similar way.
Standard Mental Health Care Plans
A standard plan gives Medicare rebates for people experiencing conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and stress. This option allows up to 10 rebated sessions each calendar year. Your GP first refers you for six sessions, then after a review they can provide a new referral for the remaining four.
Chronic Disease Management Plans (CDMP)
Some people may qualify for extra support once they have used all 10 sessions under a Mental Health Care Plan. A Chronic Disease Management Plan, previously called an Enhanced Primary Care Plan, is designed for individuals managing the mental health impact of chronic physical illness. For example, someone experiencing depression alongside a long term condition may benefit.
This plan provides up to five Medicare-rebated sessions per year with a psychologist or another allied health professional. The rebate is lower than what is offered through a standard Mental Health Care Plan, so it is worth checking eligibility with your GP.
Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plans (EDP)
An EDP is designed for people with a diagnosed eating disorder and provides access to more intensive psychological care. It recognises that treating eating disorders often requires longer term therapy and a multidisciplinary team.
Under an EDP you can claim up to 40 rebated sessions within 12 months. The referral structure works in stages:
Sessions 1–10: Referral from your GP or psychiatrist
Sessions 11–20: Re-referral from your GP or psychiatrist after review
Sessions 21–30: Requires input from both a psychiatrist and a dietitian, with a further referral from the psychiatrist
Sessions 31–40: Final referral from your GP after the 30th session
Unlike the standard Mental Health Care Plan, which resets each calendar year, the EDP runs on a 12 month cycle.
The rebate amount depends on which plan you are using. Current rates as of July 2024 are:
Standard Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) – up to 10 sessions per year
Mental Health Social Worker: $87.25 per session
General Psychologist: $98.95 per session
Clinical Psychologist: $145.25 per session
Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) – up to 5 sessions per year
All mental health professionals: $61.80 per session
Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) – up to 40 sessions within 12 months
General Psychologist: $98.95 per session
Clinical Psychologist: $145.25 per session
People often confuse these two documents, but they are not the same. A Mental Health Care Plan is usually three to four pages long and describes your mental health needs and treatment strategy. A referral is a separate letter from your GP, addressed to a psychologist, that requests assessment and treatment. To claim rebates, you must have both a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan.
If you hold a valid Medicare card and are experiencing mental health difficulties, you can ask your GP for a plan and referral. You may be eligible if you are:
An Australian or New Zealand citizen
A permanent resident
Applying for permanent residency
Holding a temporary humanitarian or bridging visa
To get a Mental Health Care Plan, you need to book a longer appointment with your GP, usually at least 30 minutes. When making the booking, let the clinic know you are requesting a Mental Health Care Plan so they can allow enough time.
At your appointment, your GP will work with you to create a plan that covers:
Your current mental health concerns and goals for treatment
Your medical and mental health history
Strategies that may support your wellbeing going forward
It is normal to feel a little nervous about this appointment. Some people find it helpful to prepare a list of things they want to discuss, such as difficulties with mood, anxiety, or trauma.
Your GP will also provide a referral letter to a psychologist. This letter is separate from the plan itself, and your psychologist must have it in order for Medicare rebates to be processed.
You do not have to select a psychologist before seeing your GP. If you are not sure who you want to see, your GP can prepare an open referral addressed to “Dear Psychologist.”
If you do have a specific psychologist in mind, you can ask for the referral to be addressed directly to them. Before deciding, it can be helpful to check with the clinic to see if the psychologist is taking new clients, whether they have suitable appointment times, what their fees are, and whether they are the right fit for your therapy goals.
Some people prefer to book a psychologist first and then visit their GP for the referral, while others arrange the plan and referral first and then choose a psychologist afterwards. Both options are fine.
For a referral to be valid under Medicare, it needs to include:
The date it was written
Your full name, date of birth, and address
Your GP’s name and Medicare provider number
A request for service under the Better Access initiative
Your GP’s signature
For Medicare rebates to be applied, your psychologist must have a copy of your referral letter. While it can be useful for them to also see your Mental Health Care Plan, it is the referral that enables rebates to be processed.
Your GP may give you printed copies of the plan and referral to pass on to your psychologist, or in some cases the clinic will send them directly. Either way, rebates cannot be claimed until your psychologist has received the referral.
If your referral has been written to a psychologist who is not available, you can still use it with another psychologist. Medicare allows referrals to be transferred, even if the name on the referral does not match the psychologist you end up seeing.
With a Mental Health Care Plan, you can claim up to 10 Medicare rebates for psychology sessions in each calendar year. Your first referral usually covers six sessions. After completing those, you will need to return to your GP for a review. If your doctor agrees that more support is needed, they can provide a new referral for up to four additional sessions.
It is important to know that Medicare rebates do not roll over into the following year. Regardless of when you begin, the maximum number of rebated sessions available in one calendar year is 10.
Once you have used the number of sessions on your referral, often after the first six, your psychologist will send a progress report to your GP. If you still require ongoing support, your psychologist may suggest that your GP issue another referral.
To continue receiving Medicare rebates, you will need to return to your GP for a review. If approved, you can then receive a re-referral for the remaining sessions available under your plan.
Mental Health Care Plans themselves do not expire. However, if your circumstances change, your GP may review and update the plan so it better reflects your needs.
Referral letters remain valid too, although many psychology clinics prefer them to be dated within the past 12 months. This ensures the referral accurately represents your current situation and treatment goals.
Yes. If you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician, you can claim Medicare rebates for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment commonly used for trauma and PTSD. Many psychologists in Melbourne, including those at Cova Psychology, provide EMDR as part of their therapeutic approach. To be eligible for a rebate, your EMDR sessions must be delivered by a registered Medicare psychologist in Melbourne, and the therapy must fall within the scope of your referral under the Better Access initiative.
No. Medicare rebates only apply to individual treatment for diagnosed mental health conditions. While relationship stress can affect wellbeing, couples counselling is not included under a Mental Health Care Plan.
If you are unsure about your options, you can discuss your situation with your GP. You are also welcome to contact Cova Psychology in Melbourne to explore private options for relationship therapy.
No. Neuropsychological assessments and psychometric testing are not covered under Medicare. These assessments, which measure areas such as memory, cognitive ability, or neurodivergence (including Autism or ADHD), are not part of the Better Access initiative.
If you need neuropsychology services, there may be other ways to access support:
Private health insurance: Some policies include rebates for assessments.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): If you are an NDIS participant, certain assessments may be included.
Other funding options: Some government or workplace programs provide assistance for diagnostic or cognitive testing.
If you would like guidance on these assessments, you can reach out to Cova Psychology to discuss your options.
Yes, if your private health insurance covers psychology services. However, you cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same session. You will need to choose which funding option to use.
It is best to check directly with your health fund to confirm:
Whether psychology is covered under your policy
The rebate amount per session
Any annual limits on claims for psychology
If you are unsure whether Medicare or private health cover is more suitable for your situation, your GP or psychologist can help you weigh up the options.
For the most accurate information, you can contact Medicare directly on 132 011 or visit the Medicare website.
If you would like help understanding how rebates work in practice, our team at Cova Psychology in Melbourne CBD can guide you. We provide Medicare-rebated therapy sessions and can step you through the process of arranging the right support.
GP referral requirement – To access a Mental Health Care Plan, you will need a referral from your GP. Make sure you book a long consultation, usually at least 30 minutes, so your doctor has time to complete the plan properly.
Session limits – A Mental Health Care Plan allows up to 10 rebated psychology sessions each calendar year. After your first six sessions you must return to your GP for a review before accessing the remaining four.
Calendar year reset – Rebated sessions reset on 1 January each year. Unused sessions do not carry over.
Documentation – Keep copies of your referrals and plans. These can also be accessed through your MyGov Medicare account.
Ongoing communication – Stay in regular contact with both your GP and psychologist so your treatment remains suited to your needs.
If you are new to therapy, our page on Top Tips for Making Therapy Work may also be a helpful starting point.
Seeing a psychologist in Melbourne through Medicare makes mental health care more affordable and within reach. If you have questions about rebates or would like support, you are welcome to contact Cova Psychology.
Our Melbourne CBD team can help you understand your options and connect you with the right psychologist. For broader details about our practice and services, you can also explore our general FAQ page.